University of Virginia Library

SCENE V.

The Palace.
Enter King, Queen, Rosencrantz, and Guildenstern.
King.
Welcome, dear Rosencrantz, and Guildenstern:
You have come just in time to serve our turn.
Something you've heard of Hamlet's transformation;
But to account for his sad situation
We find impossible; so you must pump him:
If he won't tell by fair means—why then—thump him.

Queen.
Good gentlemen, right heartily he'll greet you,
For very often hath he wish'd to meet you;
So stay, and find out what his real state is,
And we will give you board and lodging gratis.


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Rosen.
Indeed we can't refuse, you speak so pretty;
You might command us, and you use entreaty.

Guild.
We both obey you, and we think it meet
To lay our service freely at your feet.

King.
Thanks, lads.

Queen.
Now pray discover what this fun is.
(To attendants)
Hollo, there! bring these jockeys where my son is.

[Exeunt.